A triple whammy of freezing temperatures, 'thundersnow' and the Storm Fionn's gale force winds are expected to cause widespread disruption - with two separate weather warnings being issued.

A Met Office yellow weather warning for ice and snow is in place from 3pm this afternoon until 6pm to tomorrow, and covers parts of the A38 between Plymouth and Exeter - with another Yellow Warning, for gale force winds, coming into affect at 9pm tomorrow evening, and remains in place until 11am on Thursday.

And the Weather Channel warns that a rare outbreak of 'thundersnow' is set to blast the UK, as wintry showers, freezing air and blizzards blow in from the north-west.

Thundersnow is a phenomenon which occurs when thunderstorms form in wintry conditions, causing snow to fall instead of heavy rain.

The Met Office's weather warning for today reads: "Heavy, squally showers of snow will continue through Tuesday and Tuesday night, with longer spells of snow for a time, especially on Tuesday evening," says the Met Office.

"Over the hills, snow will drift in the strong to gale force winds. A gradual improvement is likely on Wednesday for most areas.

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"Travel delays on roads are likely, as are public transport cancellations, and some vehicles may become stranded, more especially on higher routes.

"There is a chance of power cuts, while services such as mobile phone coverage may be affected. Some rural communities seem likely to become cut off. In addition roads and pavements will turn icy, increasing the chances of accidents or injuries."

The Yellow Warning for gale force winds comes into affect at 9pm tomorrow evening, and remains in place until 11am on Thursday.

The Met Office warning reads: "Very strong winds will affect parts of the UK during Wednesday night and into Thursday.

"The strongest winds are expected to transfer eastwards across the warning area before clearing by late morning.